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Bianka leads the way toward the back of the theater room, finding a remote corner where we can practice in peace. I enjoy the view of her slight form dressed in a tight pink patent leather miniskirt and a cropped white sweater. Her ankle boots only enhance the look, showing off her tan, fit legs.
As we reach our quiet corner, Bianka turns and catches me in the act of appreciating her figure. She quirks an eyebrow, giving me a scolding look, though her cheeks flush adorably, bringing out her freckles.
I shrug nonchalantly. “What? Just getting into character,” I tease.
“Mm-hmm. Just read your lines,” she says, but the corners of her lips curl up as she looks down at her booklet, telling me she likes the attention.
I clear my throat dramatically and glance playfully up from my booklet to let her know I’m joking. Her lips press together in either a solid attempt to keep from laughing or a perfect expression of disapproval. God, this girl knows how to act. She’ll get the lead for sure, which means I really have to step up my act if I want to spend as much time with her as possible.
Resolution solidifying, I look down at my lines and commit. “But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun,” I say, my eyes meeting Bianka’s as I reach toward her face, yearning to touch her but knowing it’s too soon.
Her eyes widen slightly as I continue through my lines, and she seems caught off guard by my performance. But when she follows the conclusion of my opening speech, she’s already in character, bringing Juliet’s chaste innocence to life as she asks me to forsake my name.
As our characters begin to interact, I draw closer to Bianka until I can smell the fresh floral scent of her shampoo. And when I confess my feelings, telling her that neither the high walls of her house nor the men in her family could keep me away, it doesn’t so much feel like acting–apart from the old English I don’t understand half the time.
The scene ends as Juliet’s called inside by her nurse for the first time, and before Bianka turns away as if to retreat, I cup her cheek, feeling the soft silk of her skin warm at my touch.
“Wow,” Bianka breathes, remaining where she is even after Juliet says she has to go.
Her bright eyes remain locked with mine, and she licks her lips enticingly. I flash a casual smile, though my pulse kicks up a notch.
“Wow, what?” I ask.
“That was actually really good.”
I chuckle. “You doubted me? I’m hurt.”
Bianka laughs, and her hand finds mine for one glorious moment, pressing my palm to her cheek before she removes it from her face, reminding me we could have an audience. “Let’s go again.”
I have a better feel for the language the second time around, working my way through the archaic words more easily now that I have the big picture. And again, I put my all into it, just trying to keep up with Bianka’s performance and hoping I can out-act all these guys vying for the role of Romeo.
“And but thou love me, let them find me here. My life were better ended by their hate, than death proroguèd, wanting of thy love,” I insist adamantly as I draw near her a second time.
I almost break character as I sense someone watching us and realize the professor has stopped to listen, but Bianka keeps me focused as she says her next line.
“By whose direction found’st thou out this place?” she inquires.
“By love,” I say gently, filling the confession with the strength of my feelings as I keep my eyes fixed on hers. “That first did prompt me to inquire. He lent me counsel, and I lent him eyes.”
“Very good,” Professor Burgmann interjects, pulling us both out of our scene. “I’m aware of Bianka’s talent, but I don’t recall you being in any of my classes before. Cassio Marchetti is it?”
“Yes, sir,” I say, turning respectfully to face him. “I switched majors this year. A bit late in the game, but I thought the risk was worth following my passion.” I glance sideways toward Bianka to catch the smile that tugs at her lips.
“I’ll have to keep an eye on you, Mr. Marchetti. You might actually have a chance at landing the lead for the fall play if you keep performing like that.” With a polite nod, Professor Burgmann proceeds to the next set of students.
I turn back to Bianka with a bewildered smile.
“Your passion?” she teases lightly.
“Don’t worry. I’ll show you just how passionate I am soon enough.”
I wink and am rewarded with the most adorable blush once again. Maybe this girl is as innocent and chaste as the fair Shakespearean maid she’s playing. All I know is I need to kiss her with a desperation that borders on reckless.
I manage to keep my urges under control, and at the end of class, we manage to part ways with a casual, disinterested exchange that makes us sound fairly put out with working together. Lunch is torture as I meet up with Lucca and surreptitiously watch Bianka from across the cafeteria as she chats with Ellie.
Thankfully, Lucca’s on board with helping me plan a date that will keep Bianka and me out of the public eye. However, we’re still working on how I can get enough time without our collective presence going unnoticed.
The hour drags by as Lucca and I toss out suggestions to no avail. Then finally, it’s time for my History of Musical Theater class with Bianka. I head out before the girls, saying bye to Lucca as I make a beeline for the arts building.
